How Maine Water Saved 100 Million Gallons Last Year

Maine Water saved an impressive amount of water last year. The utility attributed the savings to experienced water workers, new technology, and infrastructure upgrades.

In 2016, Maine Water pumped and treated 100 million gallons fewer than it did in 2015, according to the Associated Press. The utility says it serves around 32,000 water accounts throughout the state, which covers about 80,000 residents. It provided customers with 2.8 billion gallons of water last year, the AP reported.

How did the utility manage to conserve 100 million gallons of water? Utility officials credited an “ongoing and aggressive review of the company’s 12 water systems,” according to the Maine Water blog.

Maine Water President Judy Wallingford weighed in: “With our very experienced employees and some impressive technology, we’ve been scouring five hundred and fifty miles of pipes in Maine. Saving that much water in one year is an outstanding result, and we plan to continue the hunt each year.”

The AP added: “The utility says it was able to provide the same level of service to customers despite pumping and treating less water. The utility is reviewing 550 miles of pipes to see what is old and in need of repairs and replacement. It has also has been seeking out leaks in the system.”

Infrastructure repair is key component of the utility’s conservation strategy. The company says it will continue using this strategy, with plans to pour $8.7 million into replacing aging infrastructure next year, The Portland Press Herald reported.

“Nearly $5 million is designated to replace aging water mains and other components in the distribution systems Maine Water maintains. It will also spend nearly $2 million for the design and permitting of a new water treatment facility near the Saco River in Biddeford,” the report said.

Wallingford stressed the importance of infrastructure repair as it relates to conservation.

“Proactively replacing infrastructure improves reliability and water quality and reduces lost water through leaks and breaks,” Wallingford said, per the report. “We’ll make sure to coordinate closely with road work and wastewater system upgrades in the municipalities we serve. Shared economies of scale can save the towns’ taxpayers and the water company’s customers on paving and other construction costs.”

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